Despite rumors that Summit had fired Catherine Hardwicke, who launched the “Twilight” series, for being difficult, she said she “had the first right of refusal” in her contract. Hardwicke said she decided against directing the sequels because the first book of Stephenie Meyer’s YA trilogy was her favorite and the studio’s production schedule was too intense.

Studio: Lionsgate-Summit

Date: Nov. 16, 2012

Opening weekend: $141.1M

Studio: Lionsgate-Summit

Date: Nov. 18, 2011

Opening weekend: $138.1M

Studio: BV

Date: May 4, 2012

Opening weekend: $207.4M

Studio: BV

Date: May 3, 2013

Opening weekend: $174.1M

Studio: WB

Date: July 15, 2011

Opening weekend: $169.2M

Studio: WB

Date: July 20, 2012

Opening weekend: $160.9M

Studio: WB

Date: July 18, 2008

Opening weekend: $158.4M

Studio: Lionsgate

Date: March 23, 2012

Opening weekend: $152.5M

Studio: Sony

Date: May 4, 2007

Opening weekend: $151.1M

Despite rumors that Summit had fired Catherine Hardwicke, who launched the “Twilight” series, for being difficult, she said she “had the first right of refusal” in her contract. Hardwicke said she decided against directing the sequels because the first book of Stephenie Meyer’s YA trilogy was her favorite and the studio’s production schedule was too intense.